Lessons on the Plan of Salvation
Lesson No. Thirteen

All Things Bear Witness of a Supreme Creator

All things in the heavens above and in the earth beneath testify of Him – In a revelation to Enoch, recorded by Moses, and later included in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, the Lord said:  “And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things that are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, both above and beneath; all things bear record of me” (Moses 6:63).

The order of the universe is evidence that there is a God - God has revealed to righteous people greater knowledge about creation and the universe than man can ever discover.  For example, Abraham, through the Urim and Thummim, understood many things about the sun, moon and stars that cannot be found out by science alone.  (See Abraham 3:1-17)

We know that Alma had an Urim and Thummim, also referred to as interpreters, because they were given to him by king Mosiah.  (See Mosiah 28:20, also 13-19).  Alma likely received great knowledge about astronomy through the Urim and Thummim just as Abraham had.

When the anti-Christ Korihor asked for a sign “Alma said unto him:  Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44).

Evidence of a Supreme Creator is the greatest benefit of astronomy – The Hubble telescope operates far out in space, and it greatly enhances our ability to see and understand the universe. There are people who think that technology comes only by man's genius.  However, I believe that all scientific advancement comes as a gift from God to fulfill his purposes.  For example, powerful telescopes allow common people to view and begin to understand the greatness and the order of the universe.

Astronomical knowledge and interest is increasing not only in the scientific community but also with the general public.  Recently, while shopping at Costco I bought a high quality, easy to use, computerized telescope for less the $200.  Many people are anxious to learn more about astronomy.  I believe astronomy is one way our Father manifests himself to his children.

Testimony – One of the great blessings and enjoyments of this life is to be able see and appreciate the hand of the Lord in the beauty of the earth and in the order of the universe.

The more I study and learn about the creation, the more certain I am that “even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44).

Furthermore, the longer I live and the more I see, the better I understand that men “might have joy”, not only in their redemption by the Great Redeemer (see 2 Nephi 2:25-27), but also in their recognizing that “all things are created and made to bear record of [the of the Supreme Creator]” (Moses 6:63)